Canadian hip-hop icon Michie Mee is thrilled after being contacted by Canada Post. Known as the godmother of Canadian rap, she will soon be featured on an official postage stamp.
Expressing her excitement, Michie Mee shared, “I was in disbelief, and I was like, ‘You’re kidding me.’ And then I was just overjoyed.” She will appear on one of three stamps dedicated to Canadian hip-hop pioneers for Black History Month in February. The other honorees include Toronto rapper and producer Maestro Fresh Wes, and Quebec trio Muzion.
Canada Post stated in a press release that each artist played a significant role in shaping the hip-hop and rap genre in Canada. Michie Mee, originally from Jamaica and raised in Toronto, is recognized for integrating Jamaican patois into her rhymes. Maestro Fresh Wes made history as the first Canadian MC to achieve mainstream success with his 1989 single “Let Your Backbone Slide,” while Muzion introduced a unique blend of French, English, and Haitian Creole in their music.
This initiative marks the first time Canada Post has released stamps celebrating hip-hop artists, as they have been issuing stamps for Black History Month annually since 2009. Michie Mee, also known as Michelle Ann Camille McCullock, became the first Canadian hip-hop artist to secure a U.S. record deal in 1988.
Reflecting on her journey, Michie Mee highlighted the challenges faced by Canadian hip-hop artists in the ’80s and ’90s due to lack of support and recognition. She emphasized the importance of unity within the music community across different genres, underscoring the collaborative spirit that defined the era.
The new stamps featuring Canadian hip-hop artists will be unveiled at a private event in Toronto on Jan. 27 and released to the public in February. Michie Mee expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “I’m just grateful for all of me.” She also offered advice to upcoming Canadian artists, encouraging them to stay focused, believe in themselves, and enjoy the journey.